Friday, November 21, 2008

Post 10

In Post #7, I talked about the difficulties in incorporating technology with a kindergarten through second grade lesson. However, I read one of Morgan Blogs, I believe it was #9, and she posted a web site full of activities for kindergarten and beyond: http://www.picadome.fcps.net/lab/currl/kindergarten . I viewed the website and it is AWESOME! Although it will probably take a while for my students to learn how to access it, the site can definitely help me with daily lesson plans and guidelines to follow in teaching early developers. In addition, to Morgans blog, I read another students blog who mentioned PowerPoint as a resourceful tool for presentations because of the vast range of graphics. I totally agree with their statement.

I would like to learn how to work podcast next. This semester, we were not forwarded enough time to cover it, but hopefully I will learn how to access it in the future. In addition to podcast, I think it would have been a benefit for my future in education to learn how to construct a letter to a parent in a "proper" format. We covered how to do a newsletter in class, which is great, but I think we could have touch more on the professional aspects of a newsletter. For Example, obviously you would not send home the same newsletter to an elementary parent and high school parent. Microsoft Excel was a great thing to learn. This class was my first experience with Excel and it was very informative yet tedious with all the formulas we have to include.

When I was in the 12th grade, my high school implemented pinnacle to help us check our grades everyday. The teachers were responsible for posting the grades. I observe allot of my teachers who were not technology savvy primarily because of age or they just never took the time out to learn. The students were putting in grades for the teachers who did not know how to work pinnacle. I definitely want to avoid being THAT teacher once I start my career. Practice makes perfect, so by me teaching my students the skills I know about computers, it will help me to improve and learn more.


Post # 7

Using technology within education is a very powerful tool, however there are disadvantages to using technology with age graded influences. When I was in the 3rd grade, we were responsible for logging into Accelerated reader and remembering passwords for the application. I do not recall doing the same thing in kindergarten, second, or third grade grade. I am confused as to how to implement technology with learning for k-2nd grade. I think that starting as early as 3rd grade is a big advantage because it allows students to develop a skill as early as age 9. Applications such as Microsoft, askjeeves, and even i tunes will allow students to become familiar with computer software.

In Elementary school, I deem it important to include allot of visuals in a power presentation just to help the students pay close attention during each lesson. For example, history was not a favorite subject of mine when I was in elementary school. However, when ever my teacher made it fun, I always learned and was attentive. For middle and High school power point is a great source for taking notes and lecturing, in an effort to make sure you cover all the material and students do not miss anything important.

Facebook and myspace has become so popular in our society. my concern is students logging on during class time and missing the essential elements of a lecture because they are distracted by this social network. technology is great in every aspect, but it can be a hindrance in school for teachers and peers. Students who can access the Internet through their mobile phones are at a greater risk for being distracted during the lesson and most of the team, a teacher will not catch the students because he/she is indulged in the lesson.

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Post 9

I never knew google had a an email account that could be shared amongst a group of people. Maybe it is common knowledge since google serves as a popular search engine for so many people. I didn't find out about the email account until I started participating in this philanthropy where we had to post phone numbers and meeting times by emailing each other and placing items in "google docs". I will definitely use this email account to communicate with my students and their parents about various grades that I post because I know conferences are sometimes inconvenient, but everyone uses the Internet through out their day.

I also will use you-tube in my lesson plan while teaching. I think you tube is an excellent source for an icebreaker if its use appropriately. In the past, I have used you tube in my study groups in an effort to help people loosen up and speak to each other by laughing at a mutual thing. When my students complete a test or a stressful project, I will play videos on you tube to help them relax and release their stress.

Excel use to seem somewhat difficult to me, because the page is so busy and my mom had a challenging time with it so I thought I would to. however, Excel is easy for taking attendance and charting things that need to be updated daily. In my class room, no matter what grade I teach, I will use excel for attendance and introduce it to my students for charting their grades since it was never introduced to me until I came to college.

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Post 8

I am not quite done with power point 2 yet, but it will be completed before class tomorrow. As I stated in my previous blog, Power Point is new to me. I am having an adventurous time exploring new tools and learning ways to enhance my presentation. Deciphering between extremes in animations seem to be a problem. I don't want my Power Point Presentation to be too elaborated with animations and visual, but int he same instance I want everyone to enjoy the presentation. That seems to be my only problem. I cannot include a screen shot of my Power Point because I do not have the program on my computer.

The digital Camera seems to be popular now and I think it would be great to incorporate as an art project. I know everyone is not able to afford a camera, which is why I am going to purchase one for my class. The camera is not dependent on the computer, however if you want to post the pictures you need the computer. Sometimes students need a broke and I think an activity with the camera will be fun and exciting for the students!

I know this may be a fairly simple lesson, but I learned to listen. When I was presenting my Power Point in front of the classes, the smallest things distracted me, even when students leaned over to whisper. When the next classmate was up presenting, I noticed that she was distracted as well by the commotion around her, so I decided to give my undivided attention because I know how it feels. I think this will help to listen to my students more and be more cautious and attentive when others are speaking because its rude to not respect their time and presentation.

Post 6

Web 2.0 is definitely learning of the future, or should I say "my future" because there is no way possible, adults before my generation could possibly keep up with all of this. I think Web 2.0 is a great course of advanced technology within education because it doesn't limit the students to strict pen and paper. It allows them to branch out cognitively and socially. My students will have to create weekly journals through the blog as a reflection of their development in class and to enhance their technology knowledge. Sources such as Power Point 2007, facebook, blogger, Internet (google) and may more are forms of web 2.0 and can assist students if used appropriately.

I am ANTI-wikipedia when it comes to learning because your are able to edit and ad information. Thus proving that the information posted is not reflecting accurate, non bias data, but the opinion of the editors. Wikipedia is a form of blogging and should be ban for research purposes because it misguides users. My instructors my freshman year in college prohibited us from using wikipedia because of its information and if anyone was caught using it, there was a 25 point deduction from your paper.

I know this may sound unbelievable, but I never knew how to construct a Power Point until I started taking this class. I was just never interested in learning how to do it. In high school, I would provide the information for the power point and allow everyone else to piece it together. But thanks to EME 2040, my Power Points ROCK!!

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Post 5

I support the use of Internet for students to use to a certain extent. A lot of Internet sources are not accurate and could give false information to students resulting in a failing grade. I also think that before a students uses Internet to research a report, he or she should be capable of citing and deciphering information that is irrelevant. Most textual information on the Internet can be copied and paste to other documents as the work of the students which is why the Internet may prove to be useless to some students. Honest students who use the Internet for research is given an abundant amount of information to choose from and sum up.

Other developing countries are sometimes clueless about the modern world and the other technologies we have. In the same instance, our country is insensitive and uninformed about other countries who would enjoy our freedom. With that being said, I support web-sources such as virtual tours to enhance the knowledge of learning. It allows each student to gain more knowledge about how the Internet works and how technology has advanced in some areas but not in other areas. This would be great for a social science lesson or a human geography assignment.

My major is currently elementary education, and my biggest concern is scaffolding so students can understand on their level. I am afraid of not knowing what is age appropriate for my students. For instance, how would I teach 3rd graders about technology and learning on a level that they would comprehend. I am also concerned with how much more will my students know about the computer and Internet than me. I think its embarrassing for teachers to not be tech savvy and their students constantly helping them with computers.

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Post 4

Chapter 7 explains how certain preparations could be taken before completing a project or an assignment. I agree with concept mapping because it displays an enlightening period for the student. There is a thin line between a well thought out pre-planned paper and a paper full of loaded language and details. Concept mapping helps students to brainstorm and omit details and ideas that are irrelevant. When I was in Elementary school, we were forced to make a concept map before we wrote an essay by pencil and paper. Now concept mapping can be made easier and less time consuming, via the Internet or different programs such as inspiration or kidsperation.

I would make it optional for students to develop an out-line or a storyboard, because some students are more cognitively advanced than others, and requiring them to submit an outline could hinder their abilities. I will highly encourage it for my class because it benefited me, but I definitely will not make it mandatory for them to submit or complete an out-line. I will also use incentives to influence them to use out-lines; such as granting positive free time with exploring the Internet if they complete a outline or some type of map before the assignment and offer extra credit if they complete it using a program on the computer.

The Web hunt assignment that I completed introduced to me other search engines that help me find answers more efficient than google. Although much of my answers for the assignment was inspired by google, i learned other ways and methods to search for topics. I also learned some essential points and markers for completing a newsletter for the class. Color is good but make sure it is consistent, use bold text for things you want to stand out, use text margins to line pictures up with words and so on.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Post 3

If I was teaching High School, I may incorporate on-line math assignments/homework. I think it is essential for all students to know ow to use a computer in every subject. On-line math homework help me to use keys that I wouldn't normally use on a key board. Some of the math problems will be multiple choice, but most of them will be critical thinking assignments. The students will have to incorporate math symbols, to show that they know the basic use of the keys, and create a header, footer and number the pages in order to turn the assignment in. I think this incorporated technology will be mainly for seniors in high school to prepare them for college.campus.fsu.edu/...Is the most outstanding web page I have seen thus far. Its not to busy for the eyes, it includes graphics, charts, text, columns, headings, captions, colors and so on!!!! I wear glasses so sometimes it is difficult for me to read a scr
een that has like 6 different type styles and 10 colors. I like consistency with text and colors because its much easier to read and skim. I also like when a web page high light major points with bold or a diff color from the text. Rule 17 in chapter 6 encourages designers to use list because they help people find information quickly....I agree!


Although we did not review what a podcast is in class I'm going to guess that is has something to do with the computer and graphics. However, because copyright issues has been a long term issue in education, I will increase disciplinary actions for students who don't comply with the rules. I Will encourage my students to cite the authors and the publishing companies correctly using MLA or APA formats because it is the correct thing to do. In the beginning of the school year, we will do copyright exercises in an effort for them to know whats considered plagiarism and whats considered an original piece.

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Post 2

When I was in middle school, I remember using Microsoft Works for all my assignments and my teachers use this application as well. I don't think Word was available on my computer at home until I got to high school and my mom decided to update the computer and add the Internet. In high school, my teachers used Word for everything and they made sure every student in the class was familiar with Times New Roman, 1" margins, and a 12 font for all of our assignments or else points would Be taken off. I remember using MS Word for all my campaign material and the banners I posted for SGA.

I never knew a newsletter could be created on MS Word. I guess I kind of under estimated the application by limiting myself to just the basics of a document. Briefing through chapter 9, I learned that there is truly a TOO OLD hardware. For instance, if your computer continues to crash and cannot upload new drives then that maybe a sign that the computer is TOO OLD. The average lifespan on a computer is three years old...YES that sounds expensive but technology doesn't wait for adaptations it just continues to improve.

Education is all about informing and enlightening people who do not now. With that being said, I honestly believe the news letter will be efficient in helping me with my career as a n educator. I am a hands on learner as well as visual and when my teachers passed out a syllabus or a rubric, I remember feeling overwhelmed. However, when the passed out newsletters weekly or monthly with major projects listed I felt competent and knowledgeable about the "happenings" in my class. I want my students to be aware and updated all the time!

Post 1.


The world around us is constantly changing and with that change follows improved and advanced technology. I remember when I was in 4th grade and we had the accelerated reading program implemented in my school to help us achieve higher scores on the FCAT. That program could only be used on the computer in my class and that was my first time ever using a computer as well as my teacher. She didn't know how to turn the monitor on or get us started with using the program. I think teachers should know the basic functioning of a computer (turning it on/off, start up button and applications such as Microsoft Word etc), the computer can even assist with teaching a lesson to the class. Once i got to high school a computer was mandatory for teachers because I grades could only be recorded on line. Thus proving that teachers have to be technology savvy in order to communicate. (pg 9)

In my classroom, the majority of the assignments students turn will have to be typed. I will also allow everyone to get an equal opportunity on the computers because I know some are more advanced than others. I will also inform them of plagiarism and make sure to discuss copy right issues as well as computer hacking as a serious crime. I hope EME 2040 teaches me how to teach my class the benefits of technology and knowing how to use them. I am afraid that one of students maybe a hacker and I may not be skilled enough to catch them.

Although my major is currently Elementary Education, I hope to build my own private Christian School one day to alleviate the stresses of state test from students. I also want to build this school to inform students about the goodness of God while their young. I know everyone has different beliefs about religion but my school is going to be about having a relationship with God not a religion.

Monday, September 15, 2008

Post # 0

"Welcome to Dillard High School home of the Mighty Panthers Emerging Technology Program for Magnet students. You are the best, the brightest and the technology source for our future;" this is what the top of my letter stated when I was admitted into my high school for magnet. Every semester I had to take at least 2 computer classes in order to meet the standards to stay in the technology program. My classes ranged from graphic design, to computer coding and even to building a robot on the computer. But to be completely honest with you, I don't remember anything from those classes, it was a complete waste of time and I stop taking the classes by my junior year. So I think its safe to say that my prior computer experience is moderate and average with basic software knowledge.

In this class, I hope to learn why certain software work the way they do and many shortcuts in Microsoft Word. I also hope to learn how to utilize programs such as excell spread sheet, power point and adobe. Initially, I could not figure out how technology related to education, however with careful thinking it came to me. Education is constantly changing and becoming more technical so in EME 2040, I hope to learn the skills that will help to adapt to the constant changing world of education.

I am an active learner and proud of it! I find it very difficult sometimes to sit through a lecture without asking questions or finding relatable topics that will help me understand the material thoroughly. People always call me outgoing and creative and I guess that's the only type of learning that sticks. I have however, had some classes that were sssoooo boring and hard for me to comprehend and understand topics and themes, but I just formed my own study groups and we drew our own conclusions from the material. This helped us on the test and helped me because I remember examples better.